THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital city’s one-stop shopping solution, Chalai market is undergoing a major facelift. More than 1000 people reach the market on a daily basis while the traffic and the resulting congestion prove a pain nevertheless. With major reforms in the card, Minister Antony Raju held a meeting today with urban planners, and experts, only to later give the green signal to go for prudent mechanisms to help reform one of the busiest markets in Kerala.

According to the plan, the main pathway extending from Killipalam to Eastfort will be reshaped in a way to only allow pedestrian travel. No vehicles will be permitted through this pathway henceforth. Meanwhile, multilevel parking options in nearby areas including Putharikandam Maithan and powerhouse road will be considered. The eight main pocket roads that connect Chalai market will be transformed in a similar manner only allowing pedestrian travel. The walkway through Chalai will be designed with glittering lights to attract crowds at night, while signboards will also extend across the bazaar to help outsiders sync up with the routes.

The government is also teeming with newer reforms splashing Rs 30 crore to shipshape Veli tourist village. The project will be opened to the public within one month's time. Rs 6.6 crore project in Shangumugham Beach is awaiting approval from authorities.